Youth Ministry Hacks

In this episode we link back up with Dr. Terry Parkman talking about his new book called Future Church: How Disruption, Innovation, and a New Generation Are Reshaping the Church. We live in an age defined by disruption―artificial intelligence, digital tribalism, decentralization. In our posttruth culture too many leaders cling to outdated models, unsure how to engage a world that has already moved...

In this episode, Justin and Sean sit down with Jake Hancock, Director of Students at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Arizona. Not only is CCV one of the largest churches in the U.S., but they also have a thriving student ministry making a massive impact. Jake shares how to cast clear vision, set strong expectations for leaders, and build a healthy student serve culture—from strategy to execution....

In this episode, Sean and Justin sit down with Anthony Lucarini—Next Gen Pastor at Low Country Community Church in South Carolina—to talk about a major shift we’ve been noticing in Gen Z.The hype-driven, attractional model isn’t connecting like it used to. Instead, students today are hungry for something real—unapologetically spiritual environments where they can encounter Jesus, hear truth, and g...

If you're leading a youth ministry team, there's a good chance you’re asking your leaders how things are going. But… what if you’re asking the wrong question? In this episode, Justin shares a simple shift that could totally change how you lead, how your team connects, and how your ministry thrives. These five questions aren’t complicated—but the impact? Game-changing. Don’t lead on autopilot. Lead...

We’re back! After a few months off, Youth Ministry Hacks returns with a fresh episode full of vision and practical leadership insight. Justin and Sean dive into the same foundational talk Sean recently shared with his new team—casting vision and setting the tone for how we lead in ministry. In this episode, we cover five key challenges and reminders every youth worker needs: Remember your why for...

Join Justin and Sean as they kick off 2025 with reflections on their lives and ministries. They’ll share insights on what they’re focusing on and how they’re bringing fresh vision and intentionality into the new year. Through ministry, leadership, and personal growth, they’re driven to make 2025 the best year yet. Come join the conversation! Episode sponsor: onwardleader.com Join the YM Hacks Inst...

In this episode, Justin shares what he taught at the Download Youth Ministry Round Tables Conference about metrics. Metrics are something that is not talked about ina  setting like this but it’s something we talk about weekly in our churches. We want to have a good, healthy view of metrics and what to track that is just butts in seats. Justin challenges us on how to do that and what types of thing...

In this episode, Justin and Sean take on your questions about youth ministry and do their best to answer them. They hit topics like: ●      Discipline in youth ministry ●      Depression in ministry ●      Delegation ●      Lowest point in youth ministry for us ●      Message prep ●      When it's time to leave the church ●      Follow up with new students ●      And more!   Episode sponsor:  xpsc...

Welcome to Episode 122 of the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast! In this episode, Justin and Sean are back after a summer hiatus to catch up on what's been happening in their ministries. They discuss Justin’s new role and the journey that led him there, the process of delegating tasks, God’s faithfulness, the importance of praying through strategy, and much more. Tune in to hear their latest insights a...

Welcome to Episode 121 of the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast! In this episode, Justin introduces a new seasonal approach to youth ministry. Instead of spreading themselves thin year-round, they're focusing on key aspects during specific seasons: Outreach and School Focus, Grow Deeper, and Training. Tune in to learn how this strategic shift maximizes effectiveness and impact! Check out our sponsor: M...

 In episode 120 of our podcast, Justin and Sean opened the floor for your questions, and they tackled a variety of topics on the show! From navigating growth in your ministry to establishing camp rules, defining student leadership roles, sparking interest in Bible reading among guys, and prioritizing church attendance, they covered it all. Tune in to the episode and grab your notepad because there...

In Episode 119 of Youth Ministry Hacks, Justin and Sean are getting raw and real about leadership revelations. No fluff, no sugar-coating—just honest conversations about what God's been showing them and how it's shaking up their ministry game. From battling mental headspace to fine-tuning their strategies, they're laying it all out on the table. Forget the old ways of doing things; Justin and Sean...

In this episode, Sean sits down with THE Brad Lomenick, leadership consultant, coach, author… lots of other things… and talks through leading in 2024, identity as a leader, calling, mission, and ministry assignment. It is a great and challenging conversation that is perfect to start the new year. Check out Brad’s Stuff here: http://www.bradlomenick.com/ Check out Co-Leader! Coleader.co

In this episode Sean Lord is solo going through what he walked through his all small group leaders through in their latest training. They walk through how to keep students engaged in groups and how they are to been seen and experienced. Check out his slide presentation: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h420j8fvtvrreufsp1dct/YMH-Sean-Leader-Training.pptx?rlkey=m4k1yqrk2njir947ld7pwbvz1&dl=0 Check...

Justin shares some of the content as he and his crew trained their own small group leaders on how they want to multiply their groups, split them, be more “sticky” in welcoming new students placed in them and the vision of why they want to grow them. Check out Coleader as well! Coleader.co

Sean and Justin sat down and took your questions! Questions ranged from letting leaders go, to the age old bathing suits rules, to disruptive students, to how midweeks are set up and more. Check out Coleader! Coleader.co

This episode we talk with Matt Manno from Newlife in Queens, New York about what it means to be Emotionally Healthy. We talk about how Emotional Health is a necessity not only for ourselves, but for the leaders and students that we lead. Matt@emotionallyhealthy.org https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/ Check out Coleader Now! https://www.coleader.co/

Description: In this episode Justin and Sean sit down with Gary Garcia to talk about taking a back seat in leadership roles to raise up new and younger leaders. This is a vital part of building up God’s kingdom and they chat through the in’s and out’s of how they have done that over their time. Gary is 31 years in youth ministry at the same church and the lead pastor of that church now. The conver...

Sean and Justin dive into what are the top 4 things they are focusing in right now in the summer that will set them up better in the fall. Take a few minutes and see if they hit on anything that would be beneficial for your ministry. SPONSOR: APU Youth Leadership Initiative ​​Looking for a discipleship conference this summer for high school students? Join us at the Kaleo Youth Conference at Azusa...

Sean interviews Justin about effective follow up. It stemmed from a failure in Justin’s ministry that they are trying to be more intention this year about. They walk through the spiritual implications of follow up and give some practical thoughts on follow up in your ministry. Follow Sean and Justin on IG:@justinknowles3@seanclord Check out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/ Flat Irons College...

Show Description: Justin and Sean take questions from youth pastors around the country and answer them on the podcast live! They hit on the following topics as well as let Chat GPT answer one as an experienced youth pastor: Parents Summer events The introverted friend whose mom wants them to make friends How to develop systems in your ministry How to create buy in from your regular attenders Creat...

Show Description:Justin and Sean sit down with Bryan Forbes COO & Co-Founder Forbes Individual and Family Therapy, Inc. to chat through how youth workers can best be aware of their mental health and best practices from his experience as a former church ministry staffer to help do ministry for the long haul. For people needing a therapist or wanting to connect with me more: https://www.forbesif...

Justin sits down with co-worker Vivi Diaz who does a lot with youth and young adults at Sandals Church. They have worked together to create a plan for senior transitions and senior retreat and they talk about how Vivi has set up the young adult ministry in this next season of Sandals Church. Vivi Diaz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/viviiidiaz/ Check out DYM C0-Leader https://www.coleader.co/ Fla...

Show Description: Justin and Sean go over a diagram detailing what Justin's ministry is focusing on this year. The diagram is based on where Justin felt they were not doing so well in ministry. Join Sean and Justin as they talk through leader development, retention and outreach. Link to Justin’s diagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoI91QRPhzm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Check out DYM Coleader ht...

Justin and Sean answer YOUR questions you submitted! They hit on programming, parents, summer camp, leader care and firing, student leadership and more. Check out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/ Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/